Fela Kuti was the man. Actually he still IS the man. His influence, not only on African music but on Western music even today is massive. It's obvious appeal can be heard in bands such as Vampire Weekend, Talking Heads but also in more subtle ways within dance music, jazz and even classical. He's a fascinating character who could be at times equally inspirational and shameful. He's not alone in this trait; many great leaders of men have a dark side and musician s are no different. Hank Williams and Woodie Guthrie were both less than ideal role models with their personal lives but thankfully people can split the man from the music.
Here's to Fela Kuti the musician.
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